Bmw R 90 S
The Bmw R 90 S has a top speed of 200 km/h, produces 67 hp and weighs 215 kg. Motoryk rates it 8.5/10.
De BMW R 90 S werd in 1973 geïntroduceerd als BMW's paradepaardje van de superbike, ontworpen door Hans Muth met een opvallende gerookte kuip en voorremmen met twee schijven die revolutionair waren voor die tijd. Het was na de release de snelste productiemotor van zijn tijd en won in 1976 het eerste AMA Superbike Championship, gereden door Reg Pridmore. De R 90 S wordt algemeen beschouwd als de motor die de sportieve reputatie van BMW heeft gevestigd en wordt beschouwd als een van de meest iconische motorfietsen van de jaren 70.
67 hp
Kracht
74 Nm
Koppel
215 kg
Gewicht
200 km/h
Topsnelheid
5.5 L/100km (approx. 18 km/L typical real-world average)
Brandstof
Beeldig
Lichaam
Video Review
Wat kopers moeten weten
Strong Collector Value
The R 90 S was the world's fastest production motorcycle when launched in 1973, and its status as BMW's first superbike makes it highly sought after by collectors. Well-preserved examples regularly fetch $15,000–$30,000+ at auction.
Watch the Airhead Electrics
The aging electrical system, particularly the Bosch components and wiring harness, is prone to gremlins on bikes that haven't been properly maintained. Always verify the charging system and inspect for amateur rewiring before buying.
Iconic Dual-Disc Brakes
The R 90 S was among the first production motorcycles to feature dual front disc brakes, a groundbreaking feature for its era. However, the original Ate calipers can seize after decades of use, so a brake service is essential on any purchase.
Generaties en specificaties per jaar
Originele productierun; 898cc boxertwin, dubbele schijven voor, opvallende gerookte kuip, vermogen van 67 pk.
"De motor die bewees dat BMW een sportster kon bouwen."
Niets vóór 1973 met een BMW-badge bereidde je voor op de R 90 S — die gerookte kuip was geen cosmetische ijdelheid, het werkte echt, waardoor de windmoeheid tijdens lange ritten op de snelweg werd verminderd op een manier die rivalen niet konden evenaren. De boxer van 898 cc trekt vanaf 3.500 tpm met echte autoriteit, en als je eenmaal op de sweet spot van 5.000 tot 7.000 tpm zit, voelt dat echt urgent aan, hoewel 'urgent' volgens de normen van de jaren 70 betekent dat je naar voren leunt en grijnst in plaats van met je handen te knokkelen. De dubbele voorschijven waren revolutionair voor die tijd en wekken nog steeds vertrouwen — inclusief de achtertrommel — maar de echte schok voor iedereen die een toerplodder verwacht, is hoe goed dit ding stuurt: neutraal, communicatief, nooit zenuwachtig op een snelle veegmachine. De zwakke punten zijn eerlijk: de stoel wordt na twee uur aanzienlijk hard, de olietemperatuur stijgt hardnekkig in het stadsverkeer in de zomer, en de camvolgers herinneren je eraan dat onderhoudsintervallen geen suggesties zijn.
Pluspunten
Nadelen
Beoordeling van gebruikte kopers
"Buy the best example available — compromises here cost dearly."
$18,000-$35,000 usedThe R 90 S is genuinely one of motorcycling's landmark machines — BMW's first superbike, the fastest production motorcycle of 1973, and still devastatingly handsome fifty years on. That smoked fairing and those twin Bing carbs are iconic for good reason. But buy one romantically and you'll suffer for it. These airheads demand regular valve checks every 6,000 miles, the carbs need synchronising obsessively, and finding a clean unmolested example gets harder every year as values climb. Mechanically they're surprisingly robust if maintained properly. The 898cc boxer twin pushes around 67hp — laughable now, but the torque delivery is smooth and satisfying in a way modern bikes rarely match. Shaft drive means no chain faff, which is a genuine daily pleasure. Budget serious money for a proper pre-purchase inspection from someone who knows airheads specifically. Prices have gone properly silly. You're paying museum piece money now, so only buy the best example you can find. Avoid anything with botched electrics, replaced frame sections, or carbs that have been tampered with by someone who watched a YouTube video.
Top 10 Accessories
Curated picks for the Bmw R 90 S — owned, ridden, recommended.
Veel voorkomende problemen
🔥 1 CRITICALRough idle, poor throttle response, fuel smell
Clunking on acceleration, check lube history
Oil residue around cylinder head covers
Check all fairing mounts and panel condition
✅Checklist vóór aankoop
Tough, simple engine but needs disciplined maintenance
Full Specifications
Rivals & Alternatives
Bikes that buyers cross-shop with the Bmw R 90 S
Honda Cb750 Four
Kawasaki Z1 900
Suzuki Gt 750
Honda Cbx 550
Yamaha Xs650
Compare Bmw R 90 S Side-by-Side
compare_arrowsSpecs, power, weight & buyer verdict — head-to-head with the bikes most often cross-shopped.
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Bmw R 90 S vs Yamaha Xs650
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Discussion
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common problems with the Bmw R 90 S? +
Airhead carb diaphragms cracked or leaking: Rough idle, poor throttle response, fuel smell (moderate) | Spline wear on rear drive shaft: Clunking on acceleration, check lube history (serious) | Rocker cover gaskets leaking oil: Oil residue around cylinder head covers (minor)
Is the Bmw R 90 S a good motorcycle? +
Buy the best example available — compromises here cost dearly. Rating: 8.5/10. Best for: Experienced riders wanting classic investment with usability. Avoid if: You want cheap, low-maintenance weekend transport.
What is the horsepower of the Bmw R 90 S? +
The Bmw R 90 S produces 67 hp @ 7,000 rpm, with 74 Nm @ 5,500 rpm of torque. Top speed: 200 km/h.
Is the Bmw R 90 S good for beginners? +
Not really — the Bmw R 90 S is better for experienced riders. Experienced riders wanting classic investment with usability Avoid if: You want cheap, low-maintenance weekend transport
Is the Bmw R 90 S reliable? +
Owners report 1 critical issue to watch for on the Bmw R 90 S, notably: Spline wear on rear drive shaft (Clunking on acceleration, check lube history). Buy with a pre-purchase inspection.
Is the Bmw R 90 S good for daily use? +
Experienced riders wanting classic investment with usability Fuel: 5.5 L/100km (approx. 18 km/L typical real-world average).
How fast is the Bmw R 90 S? +
The Bmw R 90 S reaches a top speed of 200 km/h, producing 67 hp at 215 kg curb weight. Real-world performance depends on rider weight, gearing, and road conditions.
What gear should I buy for a Bmw R 90 S? +
Motoryk has curated a Top 10 gear list specifically for the Bmw R 90 S, covering engine oil, tires, chain, battery, and brake pads — see motoryk.com/bikes/bmw/r-90-s/top10. Each pick is matched to this bike's spec.
